Read the following reviews and features on Deutschland 83:
The Guardian - Your next box set: Deutschland 83
Daily Telegraph review
The Guardian - Deutschland 83 Pity the Germans don't like it
1) What positive aspects of Deutschland 83 are highlighted in the reviews?
The plot of the first episode was really simple to understand. Deutschland 83, which premiered at last year’s festival, has gone on to become an international success story, with rave reviews and bloggers
2) What criticisms are made of the show?
He deployed his not very glamorous training in lock-breaking. It was hardly a patch on Q's sessions with James Bond.
Communist East Germany now looks like another planet: the orange curtains, the cheap clothes, the pathetic excitement of teenagers at listening to illicit western pop music
3) Why did the Telegraph suggest that Deutschland 83 did the 'period' aspect of 'period drama' so well?
This is a period drama that sometimes lacks drama but makes up for it with a deep sense of period.
4) Find three 'below the line' comments from either of the Guardian articles. What did the audience think of Deutschland 83? Do you agree with the comments?
"Superb characterizations and riveting action are leavened by wry humour, making Deutschland delightfully addictive." - I agree with this comment as I believe the humour has been used effectively, which again allows a strong engagement with the audience.
"It was great far-fetched fun, punctuated by some jolting, very dark set-pieces ,Nice 80s pop culture references and soundtrack too." - the audience could use identification as they could relate to the scene through realism.
"Yet by the time the last episode was shown in Germany last December, it had shed half its starting audience, with only 1.72m viewers. Not quite “the flop of the year”, as Bild called it, but underwhelming nonetheless.'
Interviews and behind-the-scenes video features
Channel 4 News: Matt Frei interviews Jonas Nay
1) What does Jonas Nay say about growing up in a united Germany?
Jonas Nay now values living in Germany and feels more welcomed than before. He is now able to express his opinion more freely than ever. Jonas Nay also goes on saying that hes proud to be a German ; believes that this pride was not always felt, and had less of a connection.
2) The Channel 4 News interview is conducted in German with English subtitles. How does this reflect Channel 4's remit as a public service broadcaster and their target audience? (Clue: revise your work on Channel 4 and Public Service Broadcasting here!)
By having German interviews and TV shows in German, allows Channel 4 to reach a wider audience and more diverse in the film industry. Also it educates their loyal fans to learn different cultures.
3) Interviewer Matt Frei asks about the current political situation in Germany. Why might this interest the Channel 4 News audience?
Matt Frei, asks about the current political situation in Germany to engage with audience members who are interested in politics, but also in a different country to get a different perspective on how politics is treated in a different country barring UK. Also, this allows audience members to find out about current affairs in a different country.
Behind the scenes clips
The All4 website has a range of clips from behind the scenes of Deutschland 83. Watch the following:
Making Of: Why Should You Watch Deutschland 83
Watch this short promotional clip for Deutschland 83.
1) Why should audiences watch Deutschland 83 - what does the clip offer viewers?
There are many reasons why audiences should watch Deutschland 83 because it appeals to both the younger and the older generation, due to the narrative being really straightforward and easy to understand. Furthermore, it gives an insight of what briefly happened during the cold war.
2) Why is history an important aspect of the appeal of the show?
History is very important aspect of the appeal of the show because it teaches young teenagers that lack knowledge of German history and also reminds the older generation that are familiar with the cold war how Germany was divided.
3) What technical aspects are highlighted in the video?
The technical aspects highlighted in the video are cinematography ,costuming and production design. These are the main focus for the show to make it look as realistic and more engaging to the audience as possible. This can be done through the high budget they are allocated for the series, and this will enhance things such as product design to make it as real as possible. Without, these technical aspects the show would not have been as successful as they would have liked.
Making Of: Set Design
Watch this interview with Production designer Lars Lange.
1) Why were the set design, costume and props so important for Deutschland 83?
Set design, costume and props are so important for Deutchland 83 because its used to create realism and nostalgia for the audience that live in Germany. Costumes are also used so the audience can get a better understanding of the narrative if there is synergy between the set design and the story line.
2) How historically accurate was the setting, costume and props?
The costumes and props were historically accurate is it fit the location and scene perfectly. However the settings were that accurate since most locations were top secret whenever involving the military in Germany. But the transition between the west and east costumes were amazing.
3) Why were the props, costumes and music such a key audience pleasure for Deutschland 83?
Props, costumes and the music are such key audience pleasures for deutschland 83 because it creates a sense of realism and engages the audience more. The meaning of the narrative would be enhanced due to the set design and costume and the extra music would create nostalgia for the audience that have lived in Germany.
Textual analysis: trailer
1) The opening of the trailer uses sound and editing to draw the audience in. Explain why this is effective.
The use of sound and editing draws the audience effectively. The use of fast pace editing grips the audience in wanting more, it also allows the audience to interpret what genre it will be, as from the trailer there is hints of thriller, action, sci-fi and also romance. The use of sound in the background also matches the fast pace editing. 2) What audience pleasures are suggested by the trailer? Think about Uses & Gratifications theory (Blumler and Katz).
There are a lot of action scenes being shown throughout the trailer which offers vicarious pleasures as audiences, especially younger audiences enjoy to see action scenes or just general use of things like explosions and weapons. Personal relationships can also be formed as we are following a single character through the trailer as he run, fights and tries to fulfill his goal.
3) How does the trailer use action and enigma codes (Barthes) to encourage the audience to watch the show?
The trailer uses Barthes action and enigma codes in order to engage the audience. For example, the action codes when Martin is running away and fighting people, also act as enigma codes.
4) Pick three shots/scenes from the trailer that capture the spy thriller sub-genre. Why might this appeal to an audience? Try and apply Neale's genre theory 'repetition and difference' (the original notes on genre theory are here).
0.14- This captures the spy thriller sub-genre as it looks like he is running away from who he is meant to obedient towards, this reinforces the thriller and action will is going to take place within the show, which creates a very appealing impression to audience members, as they are asking themselves questions, such as,Why is he running?.etc, this is effective as the director is putting easter eggs into the trailer to get the audience engaged and wanting to watch more.
5) Pick three examples of mise-en-scene from the trailer that capture the 1983 setting the confirm the sub-genre of period drama. Why might this appeal to an audience?
0.47- This is another example of mise-en-scene, with the use of costume. In this clip it is showing a mask on a person, which indicates that something bad is going to happen. Also, it creates tension for the audience watching as the mask is representing something bad happening, which correlates to the genre of action, as the mask could have connotations of a villain, and someone who is trying to cause disequilibrium to the story line.
6) The trailer uses the song 'Two Tribes' by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Why did the producers select this soundtrack for the trailer?
This is because the song was released in the 1980s therefore it fits the time period extremely well, therefore certain viewers may feel nostalgic when hearing this music as they may have grown up to it.
7) The only words heard in the trailer are in English. Why do you think the UK trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue?
The trailer avoided subtitles or German dialogue is because certain audience members could have seen the German in the trailer and been put off by it, and therefore not wanting to view it, even though they may not have to have tried it.I believe this is done in order to captivate audiences better as audiences from England will be less interested if they hear an entire trailer in a language they don't speak or understand
Production and industry context
Deutschland 83 was produced by German production company UFA Fiction and distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International. It was broadcast on RTL (Germany), SundanceTV (US) and Channel 4 (UK) as well as many other broadcasters around the world.
1) What kind of company is UFA Fiction and what shows have they produced?
UFA Fiction is a company founded in August 2013 for fiction film and television productions of the UFA based in Potsdam-Babelsberg. The shows that UFA Fiction have produced are:
Deutschland 86 (2018) TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Drama, History. ...
Deutschland 83 (2015) 42 min | Drama, History, Romance. ...
Charité (2017– ) TV-MA | 45 min | Drama, History. ...
The Physician (2013) ...
The Same Sky (2017– ) ...
Hackerville (2018) ...
Der Junge muss an die frische Luft (2018) ...
Ku'damm 56 (2016– )
2) What kind of company is Freemantle Media International and what do they produce?
Is a british international television content and production/distribution subsidiary of Bertelsmann's RTL Group, founded in 2001, and evolved as Europe's largest TV, radio, and production company. Its world head-quarters are located in London. The movies and shows fremantlemedia have produced are:
Escape to the country
The apprentice: You're Fired
An hour to save your life
Great American Railroad journeys
The Apprentice
is a British international television content and production/distribution subsidiary of Bertelsmann's RTL Group, founded in 2001, and evolved as Europe's largest TV, radio, and production company. Its world headquarters are located in London.
3) How does Deutschland 83 reflect the international nature of television production?
Deutschland 83 reflects the international nature of television production, due to it being published and broadcasted in the UK, reflects the international nature of this television production, and also it being such a success makes it even better.
is a British international television content and production/distribution subsidiary of Bertelsmann's RTL Group, founded in 2001, and evolved as Europe's largest TV, radio, and production company. Its world headquarters are located in London.
is a British international television content and production/distribution subsidiary of Bertelsmann's RTL Group, founded in 2001, and evolved as Europe's largest TV, radio, and production company. Its world headquarters are located in London.
is a British international television content and production/distribution subsidiary of Bertelsmann's RTL Group, founded in 2001, and evolved as Europe's largest TV, radio, and production company. Its world headquarters are located in London.
Walter Presents
Watch this Channel 4 trailer for their Walter Presents international drama.
1) How does Channel 4 introduce 'Walter'?
Channel 4 introduces Walter as professional and thoughtful artist who takes time and pride in his work to give channel for a TV show completely different from the previous. Therefore, Channel 4 audience are aware of Walter's talents and would know before the TV show is released that is going to be good.
2) What audience are Channel 4 trying to appeal to with the 'Walter Presents' series?
Channel 4 would target a niche audience since the TV show 'Walter Presents' creates are very challenging and have a difficult narrative. Walter Presents presents TV shows with narratives explained in numerous of languages therefore, i believe the audience would be in the ABC1 due to them being intellectual enough to read subtitles are understand another language than English.
3) How does the 'Walter Presents' series reflect the changing nature of television in the digital age?
'Walter Presents' series reflects the changing nature of television in the digital age as it is now on demand rather than being broadcast ed on television. The series can be accessed online therefore attracts more audiences as there is more availability. From this, you can tell that the digital age is evolving.
Marketing and promotion
Read the Channel 4 press pack interview with writer Anna Winger. (If the link doesn't work, you can find the text from the interview here).
1) How did she use the historical context and real-life events to create a successful drama?
One reason how she used real life events to create a successful drama is through a lot of research which was all based on facts. They used timelines of real events and the real political climate as a back drop.
2) Anna Winger discusses the use of music. Why might the soundtrack attract an audience?
Music was key to the story from the beginning. Music videos started around that time as well, so there was a visual component for the very first time. Fashion, hair styles and colour palette, suddenly became a part of the 1980’s music experience. The real life events occurred during the world of music was innovating therefore, using those soundtracks attracts a large number of people who are similar when videos were released with music.
Read this Channel 4 press release on the success of Deutschland 83. (If the link doesn't work you can find find the text from the article here).
3) List the key statistics concerning audience figures. Why is considered the most successful foreign language drama?
After launching with 1.49 million viewers, the first episode has now consolidated with 2.5 million viewers, overtaking the launch of The Returned (9th June 2013) on Channel 4 which previously held the record with 2.2 million. This is why Deutchland 83 is considered the most successful foreign language drama.
4) How does the news release describe the drama?
Reviews such as: “It’s only January but let’s call it already: coolest show of the year.”,“This is the next subtitled sensation……..unmissable TV.”,“This pacy saga could be your new subtitled obsession.” and “Evocative and gripping.” describe the drama as being expectational.
International marketing
Look at these two different marketing campaigns - the UK DVD release (left) and the American Sundance TV advert (right).
1) How does the UK DVD cover communicate the sub-genre of the drama?
The UK DVD cover communicates that the sub-genre of the drama depicts that the two states are completely different since the east side is Communist and the west sides are Capitalist. The main image is surprised by the beauty of the west Germany but according to the props, the soldier is still determined to save the east Germany. There is intertexuality with movies such as the bond series as the main character is seen as a spy.
2) Analyse the mise-en-scene in the UK DVD cover. What does it communicate to the audience?
The setting of the wall dividing both west and east Germany suggests that conflict is still around and the writing written on the wall portrays a Bond genre of going under cover. Furthermore, the uniform is very formal connoting bravery and honour due to the main character serving his state.
3) How does the American branding use font, colour and graphics to appeal to an audience?
The colours used are very vibrant to catch the audience attention and also some graphics are constructed to create a sense of pastiche. The place and location used as the background show reference to reality which audience can relate and be amazed since it looks better than the original.
4) Why might the distributors Freemantle Media International have used different marketing campaigns in different countries?
They may have used different marketing campaigns as certain things may be attractive in different countries. The contrast in poster could indicate the two different target audiences the UK and the US are going for. For example, the UK poster is more bland and dull, which could suggest that their target audience is more of a older generation who do not really take notice of how aesthetically pleasing the poster is,
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